President Donald Trump encountered a hostile crowd at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2025, during the opening night of “Les Misérables.” Attendees expressed their disapproval by booing his presence, while cast members planned boycotts over his controversial leadership of the esteemed arts institution.
The response from the audience was mixed, with some shouting profanities and accusations at Trump, while others chanted “USA” in support. As Trump took his seat, some spectators loudly cursed, highlighting the tense relationship between the President and the arts community.
In response to the criticism, Trump displayed sensitivity to public rejection. When asked about the cast’s plans to boycott the performance, he dismissed their concerns, stating, “I couldn’t care less” and asserting, “All I do is run the country well.” This reaction illustrated his approach to handling artistic objections during his presidency.
The controversy originated from Trump’s unprecedented takeover of the Kennedy Center, where he dismissed longtime chairman David Rubenstein and the board, replacing them with loyalists who subsequently appointed him chairman. This restructuring has faced criticism from the arts community, which views it as inappropriate political interference.
Ten of the 12 principal cast members of “Les Misérables” reportedly considered not attending in protest of Trump’s presence. This artistic resistance highlighted the opposition within the performing arts community to his approach to cultural institutions.
A group of drag performers attended the show using donated tickets from patrons opposed to Trump’s presence. The drag queens staged a protest in the auditorium, strategically seated in front of the presidential box, directly opposing Trump with performances he has aimed to remove from Kennedy Center programming.
Trump’s unease with public criticism has driven him to reshape the Kennedy Center according to his political preferences. He has pledged to eliminate what he describes as “woke” programming, specifically targeting drag shows and LGBTQ+ events labeled as “anti-American propaganda.” This effort represents his attempt to control cultural narratives.
The president’s sensitivity extends to a broader stance on federal cultural funding. His administration has proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The NEA has already informed numerous organizations of grant rejections or rescissions, affecting over 200 organizations, resulting in a $5.9 million funding revocation.
The Kennedy Center’s restructuring has led to a decline in opposition. Subscription sales have decreased since Trump’s takeover, and several high-profile artists have canceled appearances. Canadian author Louise Penny withdrew from a book launch event, indicating Trump’s approach has deterred critics.
The event took on a “MAGA-does-Broadway” atmosphere, with Trump-appointed officials filling the audience, alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondi. The presence of administration loyalists appeared to shield Trump from public rejection.
Critics noted the irony of Trump attending “Les Misérables,” a musical about rebellion against corrupt government, while using his position to reshape cultural institutions. The show’s themes of social justice and struggle against oppression contrasted with Trump’s actions.
Trump has appointed loyalist Richard Grenell as the new Kennedy Center leader, ensuring future programming aligns with his preferences, reducing the likelihood of public embarrassment. This strategy reflects his ongoing struggle with criticism from the arts community opposing his policies.
